A cut-throat league like the AFL demands excellence, and as a result, there's one winner and 17 losers.
But the reality is, not all clubs are expected to be pressing for a premiership, or even finals.
The introduction of the top 10 and the wildcard round has altered the forecasting of many teams.
And for that exact reason, each team's pass mark should vary based on a variety of factors.
Below, we have determined what each club should be striving for and what their fan base should be expecting in 2026...
Western Bulldogs
Pass mark: Top 4
Luke Beveridge has never coached his team to the top four, but has a way of yielding impressive results year-on-year.
The Bulldogs were the best defensive team in 2024, then turned into the best offensive team last year.
If Beveridge can combine the two effectively, the Marcus Bontempelli-led side is among those chasing a home final, or better still, a double chance.
